Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026
What Is the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet?
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 is an official document produced by the Government to help tenants understand the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act.
It explains, in plain English, how the new law affects private renters and highlights some of the most important rights and responsibilities under the new tenancy system.
For many tenants, this document replaced the need to learn about the changes through news articles or social media, giving everyone access to the same official information.
Who Should Receive the Information Sheet?
Most private tenants in England should receive the Information Sheet.
It was introduced to make sure tenants understand how the Renters’ Rights Act affects their tenancy, particularly where existing tenancies automatically moved into the new legal framework.
For existing assured and assured shorthold tenancies with a written tenancy agreement, landlords and letting agents were generally required to provide the Information Sheet to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement.
When Must It Be Given?
For most existing tenancies affected by the new law, landlords and letting agents had to provide the Information Sheet by 31 May 2026.
There are some limited transitional situations where the Information Sheet may need to be provided later. For example, if a tenancy only becomes an assured periodic tenancy after a Section 8 or Section 21 notice ceases to have effect or court proceedings conclude without possession being granted, the landlord normally has one month to provide the Information Sheet.
How Must the Information Sheet Be Provided?
The Government has very specific rules about how the Information Sheet must be given.
Landlords and letting agents can provide it by:
- handing over a printed copy
- posting a printed copy
- sending the official PDF as an email attachment
- sending the official PDF as an attachment to a text message, where appropriate
Importantly, sending a link to the GOV.UK webpage isn’t enough.
The Government requires tenants to receive the actual official PDF document, not simply a web link.
What Information Does the Information Sheet Contain?
The Information Sheet provides an overview of many of the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act, including:
- the end of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
- periodic tenancies
- rent increases
- keeping pets
- rent in advance restrictions
- rental discrimination
- the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants
It’s designed as a summary rather than a detailed legal guide.
If you want to understand any of these topics in more depth, you’ll find dedicated guides throughout The Tenant Project.
What If I Haven't Received It?
If you believe you should have received the Information Sheet but haven’t, it’s worth contacting your landlord or letting agent first.
You may simply have missed an email attachment or letter.
If it hasn’t been provided, you can ask your landlord or letting agent to send you the official document.
Failure to provide the Information Sheet where required can result in enforcement action by the local authority, including financial penalties.
Common Misunderstandings
“This Is the Same as the Old ‘How to Rent’ Guide”
No.
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 is a separate Government document created specifically to explain how the Renters’ Rights Act affects existing tenants. It is different from the previous How to Rent guide.
“A Link to the PDF Is Good Enough”
No.
The Government requires landlords and letting agents to provide the official PDF itself or a printed copy.
Simply sending a web link doesn’t meet the legal requirement.
“Only New Tenants Receive It”
Not necessarily.
The Information Sheet was primarily introduced to ensure existing tenants understood how their tenancy changed under the new law. Different rules apply for tenancies created after 1 May 2026, where landlords must instead provide written information about the key terms of the tenancy.
“My Landlord Has to Rewrite My Tenancy Agreement”
No.
Providing the Information Sheet doesn’t usually require your landlord to issue a new tenancy agreement.
It simply explains how the law has changed and how those changes affect your tenancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Landlord Required to Give Me the Information Sheet?
In most cases, yes, if your tenancy fell within the scope of the transitional arrangements introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act.
Can My Landlord Email It to Me?
Yes.
The official PDF can be sent as an email attachment or provided as a printed copy.
Does Sending a GOV.UK Link Count?
No.
The official PDF itself must be provided. A link on its own isn’t sufficient.
Do I Need to Keep a Copy?
Yes.
It’s a good idea to keep a copy with your tenancy documents so you can refer back to it whenever you need to understand your rights.
Where Can I Download the Official Information Sheet?
You can download the latest version directly from GOV.UK:
Key Takeaways
- The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 is an official Government document for tenants.
- Most existing tenants affected by the new law should have received it.
- Landlords generally had to provide it by 31 May 2026, although some transitional cases have different deadlines.
- The official PDF must be given to every named tenant where required.
- Sending only a link to the document doesn't satisfy the legal requirement.
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